On Wednesday, February 19th, President Kelly Damphousse hosted a lunch at the Texas State Capitol for the Department of Political Science’s legislative intern scholarship recipients. This group comprises the inaugural class of Texas State students who received a university-funded scholarship, enabling them to work full-time during the legislative session.
President Damphousse congratulated the students and invited them to share their internship experiences so far. The students remarked on the fast pace of the legislature and the diversity of experiences they have already encountered, from tracking legislation and attending committee hearings to meeting with the various constituents who visit the office. They expressed how much they are learning by observing and actively participating in the legislative process up close.
This session’s student interns include Adrian Cornejo, Ethan Crowder, Lauren Garcia, Ibrahima Kande, Jose Rios, and Kaden Tucker. Also in attendance were Texas State alumni and Capitol Cat supporters Vanessa Cortes-Tanner and Nathan McDaniel. From the Department of Political Science were Department of Political Science internship coordinator and professor Dr. Vance McMahan and Department Chair Dr. Ken Grasso. State Representative Erin Zwiener, whose district includes Texas State, stopped by to congratulate the interns and express her support for the program.
Dr. McMahan said, “Combining classroom learning with the real-world experience of working in the legislature creates a much richer academic experience. These students will develop valuable skills, build professional connections, and gain career insights that will change their lives.”
